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Editorial: Ballots Hold Other Races Beyond President

Most area residents are aware of the looming presidential election on Nov. 6. But there are plenty of other issues that will face voters. One of the primary responsibilities of the Times Record, the one we take most seriously, is to provide readers with information to help them make the decisions they believe are in their own and the country’s best interest.

Here are some important dates those who wish to vote in this election should bear in mind.

Early voting in Arkansas is available Oct. 22 to Nov. 5. In Sebastian County, early voting is held at the Fort Smith and Greenwood courthouses. Off-site voting is available in some counties.

Arkansans will vote for president, members of the House of Representatives, and local officials. All state House seats are up for election, but some are not contested. State constitutional offices are not up for election this year.

There are no area mayoral positions on the ballot, but some ballots will have city council or city board races. County officials are elected this year.

Ballot issues — so far — include medical marijuana, a temporary sales tax for highways, STAR development bonds and two casino initiatives.

In Oklahoma: Oct. 12 is the last day to register for the general election. Early voting will be available Nov. 2, 3 and 5 in the county election board office where the voter is registered. The Oklahoma State Election Board website, www.ok.gov/elections, has links to registration applications and other election information. Links from that page also will take voters to ballot information.

In addition to federal races, six ballot initiatives are on Oklahoma ballots, on issues ranging from tax breaks for large railroads and utilities, to the elimination of the Human Services Commission, to a ban on affirmative action in state employment, education and contracting.

The keystones to Times Record coverage of local races are question-and-answer reports in which we have posed the same questions under the same circumstances and with the same deadlines and length limits to each of the candidates for a particular office.

This format is designed for fairness; however, some candidates choose not to participate, as is their prerogative. Generally, the only editing done is standardizing of spelling, or some light editing for length. Q and As are presented without commentary. Reports began Saturday with state Senate and state House candidates; they will be available for review with other election information on our website, www.swtimes.com, under the “Elections” tab on the homepage.

Other components of our coverage this season include reporting on locally held forums or debates; publishing endorsements of candidates as long as we can confirm them; and alerting readers to meet-the-candidate and fundraising events through the briefs element, Political Notes. The Times Record Editorial Board will weigh in on some of the important local races as well.

The Stephens Little Rock Bureau continues its coverage of election news of statewide importance today with a report on the medical marijuana ballot initiative. Monday’s edition will carry the bureau’s report on the proposed half-cent sales tax increase to finance a four-lane highway grid connecting all corners of the state. Look next weekend for reports on the changing political scene possible in the Legislature and the money spent in pursuing those seats.